SATURDAY JANUARY 29 & SATURDAY FEB 12, 1PM – 6PM NZST.

Two Day Virtual Course for working with poi in Early Childhood Education AND Aged Care

Harness your full poi-tential in this comprehensive hands-on certification course. During the training you will learn the necessary skills to confidently and safely facilitate poi sessions for children and seniors. Upon course completion, you will achieve SpinPoi Certification in both Early Childhood Education and Aged Care. Let’s get spinning!

Course Overview & Timeline

The SpinPoi Certification is an evidence-based qualification stemming from clinical research on the effects of poi on physical and cognitive function. The course involves 10 hours of hands-on training through two live Zoom sessions. Participants are also expected to complete 9 hours of homework outside of class. Please read the full course description for details on what is covered during the course.

Course Content

The following units will be covered during sessions one and two through presentation, discussion, and hands-on learning.

✔︎Unit 1: Poi in New Zealand and Beyond. The history of poi as a precious taonga (treasure) in New Zealand, the different styles of poi today, and the clinical research on the health benefits of poi.

✔︎Unit 2: Poi Movement Theory. The modes of movement and 3 building blocks which create the foundation for all poi movement.

✔︎Unit 3: Advanced Poi Moves. An exploration of advanced poi techniques and movements that can be utilized to challenge students in an early childhood and aged care setting.

✔︎Unit 4: Session Facilitation and Pedagogy. Teaching methodology and best practices for session structure and creation.

✔︎Unit 5: Routines to Music. Key components for creating routines to music that are appropriate for early childhood education and aged care.

Register Here! Space is limited to 10 participants.

What People Are Saying

“I have been able to learn and implement SpinPoi programs in the aged and disability sectors and have seen firsthand the joy and improvement for consumers in my classes. I totally recommend SpinPoi to anyone.” –Janine, Aged Care Lifestyle Consulting

“As a play-based specialist teacher, often working with youth with diverse and complex needs, I’ve found SpinPoi to be a great activity not only for the engagement and physical benefits but for the amount everyone enjoys it.” – Jesse, The Forest School

“SpinPoi inspired me to incorporate poi into my dance classes for the 50yrs+, and made the process of adding poi to an existing group fitness class very straight forward. The humour, creativity and sheer joy from participants has been fantastic.” – Hilary, Move Good Now

“Our Junior children at LimeHills School love SpinPoi. It gets us going every morning and is so much fun. We can’t wait for more! – Kathy, LimeHills School

“Poi went from an additional therapeutic activity on our ward to one of the most popular, and something prioritized on patients’ schedules. Now, other therapies are typically arranged around it.” – Jo, Middlemore Hospital

“During SpinPoi sessions we have seen our older residents smile or laugh out loud, socialize and develop new friendships, and engage both their minds and their bodies despite their age and physical or cognitive abilities.” – Orquidea, Summerset

SpinPoi Certification is perfect for…

anyone who would like to incorporate poi into their work with children or seniors as a tool for improving wellbeing. Certified instructors will gain the knowledge, tools, and credibility to confidently lead safe and engaging poi sessions for their clients, plus join the community of Certified SpinPoi Instructors across the globe.

Meet Your Instructor

Dr. Kate Riegle van West is the leading global exponent in working
with poi as a therapeutic tool and the Founder and CEO of SpinPoi Ltd. Kate completed her PhD in the health benefits of poi at the University of Auckland, where she conducted the first study in the world to scientifically investigate the effects of poi on physical and cognitive function. She was awarded the Future Leader Award from the Royal Society of New Zealand for her work in the poi/health field, and has been featured across international media including BBC World News, ABC News, TVNZ, Radio New Zealand, and Maori Television. In 2021 she was named as one of the University of Auckland’s Top 40 Under 40 inspiring alumni.

Course Fee

The SpinPoi Certification course is $340 USD per person. This includes the following course resources and training:

✔︎Poi for Seniors: Complete Facilitator Resources (valued at $40 USD)

✔︎Poi for Early Childhood Education: Complete Facilitator Resources (valued at $40 USD)

✔︎Poi for Beginners: Complete Pack (valued at $60 USD)

✔︎ 10 hours of hands-on training through two Zoom sessions, plus ongoing support to ensure all coursework is completed and participants are confident in their skillset and learnings (valued at $200 USD)

Become Part of the SpinPoi Team

Upon completion of your certification you will join a highly skilled team of SpinPoi instructors who are working with poi across the globe to improve wellbeing, one orbit at a time.

Joanne Paton
Auckland

Rehabilitation assistant at Middlemore Hospital primarily working with patients rehabbing from stroke or other neurological conditions. [email protected]
Certification: Older Adults

Jamie Moore
London, UK

Social arts facilitator specializing in circus and intellectual disability with additional qualifications in community theatre. [email protected]
Certification: Early Childhood

Eunice Te Rangiuaia
Auckland

Ko Ngāti Porou, ko Ngāti Kāhu ōku Iwi. Kaikokiri Ratonga Māori, passionate about working with tamariki, Kuia & Kaumātua.
Certification: Older Adults, Early Childhood

Janine Warne
NSW

Leisure and Lifestyle Coordinator with 38 years experience working in aged care facilities, 6 of those specializing in disability. [email protected]
Certification: Older Adults

Sarah Poepjes
Tasman

Activity Coordinator for Summerset Richmond Ranges Retirement Village. Bringing the joy of SpinPoi to residents of all ages and abilities, including rest home and memory care. [email protected]
Certification: Older Adults

David Bulger
Florida, U.S.

Licensed Massage Therapist and Registered Yoga Teacher with experience in fitness, personal training, and flow arts. [email protected]
Certification: Older Adults

Julie Rope
Auckland

Neurological Physiotherapist with a special interest in Parkinson’s & building a creative toolbox for neurostimulation and plasticity for people living with neurological conditions. [email protected]
Certification: Older Adults

Shanana Rain Golden-Bear
Arizona, U.S.

Stroke survivor passionate about sharing the benefits and fun of poi spinning with fellow seniors in Quartzsite, Arizona. [email protected]
Certification: Older Adults

Natalie Humphris
Melbourne

As parent of neurodiverse children and the Founder of Nats Nest, I started poi to help my kids with their therapy goals. I now want to share the benefits and fun of poi with other families. [email protected]
Certification: Early Childhood

Amelia Rika
Rotorua

Member of Orange Tinana o Ue with a background in Specialist Education – passionate about improving the health and wellbeing of kuia and kaumātua in Te Arawa while having fun.
Certification: Older Adults

Dr George Thien
New Zealand & Malaysia

Combining his corporate, business, academic & community-service experiences, Dr Thien is motivated to help people achieve personal goals and promote wellbeing. Author of Just Do MORE and enjoys practising Taiji and playing erhu. [email protected]
Certification: Older Adults

Sharnie Riley
Katikati

Fitness instructor, mixed media artist and puppy foster carer. I very much enjoy teaching strength & balance classes to older adults of all fitness levels and abilities. [email protected]
Certification: Older Adults

Jodi Woolf
Melbourne

In the process of becoming a social worker, and hoping to integrate the art of play and flow arts into her work. Jodi has a passion and love for people, learning and aims to leave a bit of shimmer everywhere she goes. [email protected]
Certification: Early Childhood

Dori Maloney
Texas, U.S.

Dedicated flow artist, relentless problem solver, and empathetic advocate for poi as a fun and therapeutic tool in the wellness journey. [email protected]
Certification: Older Adults

Jocelyn Watkin
Auckland

Qualified instructor for mind/body flow arts of qigong and tai chi with specialist skills in teaching people who are blind/have low vision. [email protected]
Certification: Older Adults

Jesse Moran
Victoria

Disability Support Worker specialising in children and adults on the Autism Spectrum with a background in Outdoor Leadership. [email protected]
Certification: Early Childhood

Juliana Flaxman-Hendriks
Auckland

Tai Chi specialist offering a fun and unique fusion of Tai Chi and SpinPoi that is focused on boosting fitness, strength, balance and well-being. [email protected]
Certification: Older Adults

Karanjot Kaur
California, U.S.

Flow artist and research assistant at the Comparative Cognition Lab and Cognitive Science Department at UC San Diego. [email protected]
Certification: Older Adults

Heidi Madeira de Carvalho Che
Macau, China

Poi & Arts Workshop Facilitator for children and seniors since 2007, Kintsugi Artist. Love nature, hiking, meditation and playing with children from 0-99. [email protected]
Certification: Older Adults, Early Childhood

Shaina Pietersz
Westland, Netherlands

Primary school teacher, poi dance teacher and macrame artist with a speciality in interpersonal relationships in the teaching environment. [email protected]
Certification: Early Childhood

Maria Niedermann
Uster, Switzerland

Physiotherapist specializing in rehabilitation for older adults post surgery or with neurological disease.
Certification: Older Adults

Latasha Emery
Feilding

Mum of two young adults, Latasha has a soft spot for the elderly and is passionate about interacting with them to create magic moments.
Certification: Older Adults

Annemarie Bruin
Southland

Qualified yoga teacher offering Hatha yoga and yoga infused Strength and Balance classes. I am passionate about challenging people and adding fun to my classes
Certification: Older Adults

Karma Buckland
NSW

Flow artist, performer, mental health and disability support worker. Passion for movement, fun and challenges to be found in poi as movement therapy and performance art. [email protected]
Certification: Older Adults

Lien Chang Hsu
Taipei, Taiwan

Circus performer, poi teacher, elders counseling therapist, whole brain development rhythm workshop, and writer & international tour guide. [email protected]
Certification: Older Adults

Alexa Mamet
Cap Malheureux, Mauritius

As a self proclaimed dopamine distributor, I’ve always taken it upon myself to help others find happiness. When poi entered my life in 1999, I knew instantly that I found a treasure, and now it’s time to share that treasure with my community. [email protected]
Certification: Early Childhood

Maureen Mong Ying Sim
New Zealand & Malaysia

An experienced social worker and a keen cook who enjoys promoting and helping people to eat healthy food for better well-being, and specialises in co-facilitating of poi sessions with her husband. [email protected]
Certification: Older Adults

Jacqui Esber
Melbourne

Lover of nature, animals, crystals and now poi! A qualified horticulturalist with a background in management, Jacqui runs her own metaphysical supply shop/event space where she combines her passions and brings people together. [email protected]
Certification: Older Adults

Honora Jenkins
NSW

Creative Play Specialist, Community Artist and Disability Support Worker, using circus as a tool to engage and educate people of all ages and abilities. [email protected]
Certification: Older Adults, Early Childhood

Lesley Morrison
Rotorua

Kaiawhina with Dementia Lakes, Rotorua.
Certification: Older Adults

Juee Bhide
Auckland

Neurological Physiotherapist working with people with Parkinson’s, passionate about adding fun and challenge to therapy! [email protected]
Certification: Older Adults

Daria Pejic
London, UK

Aerobic instructor, flow artist, dancer, performer and fashion designer sharing poi with older adults and those with cognitive disabilities. [email protected]
Certification: Older Adults

Rebecca Frechtling
Taranaki

Diversional therapist working in aged care with a mix of Resthome, Hospital & Dementia level residents. [email protected]
Certification: Older Adults

Izabela Nurkowska
Dublin, Ireland

Owner of Flow Studio, fitness instructor, flow artist, and martial artist specializing in Shaolin Kung Fu.
Certification: Older Adults

Anja Lohoff
Haag in Oberbayern, Germany

Carer for disabled people, supporting those with Parkinson’s in a geriatric hospital. [email protected]
Certification: Older Adults

Hilary Williams
Mapua

Fitness instructor at Move Good Now specializing in the physical and neurological benefits of movement and exercise in a group environment. [email protected]
Certification: Older Adults

Deb Gully
Wellington

Nutrition Coach and Certified Natural Health Practitioner in Energy Kinesiology specializing in chronic health issues. [email protected]
Certification: Older Adults

Bruno Rubini
Auckland

Tai Chi instructor specializing in mindful movement with additional qualifications in massage therapy and nutrition. [email protected]
Certification: Older Adults

Patricia Tinoco
Panama & Venezuela

Certified yoga teacher FIYI200 and QiGong for yoga teachers. [email protected]
Certification: Older Adults

Tara Stratton
Saskatchewan, Canada

Inspires and promotes overall wellness and through prescribing poi; a coach and educator of life skillz in circus flow art culture with the goal of ‘poi mastery’. [email protected]
Certification: Older Adults

Kate Riegle van West
Auckland

Founder of SpinPoi, with a PhD in the effects of poi on physical and cognitive function for older adults. [email protected]
Certification: Older Adults, Early Childhood

Questions?

Please get in touch with Kate directly at [email protected]